For Immediate Release

Contact:
Kristen Barnfield
Easter Seals headquarters
312.551.7147
www.easterseals.com/media

Easter Seals Awards Eugene Freedman, Chicago Area Resident and Entrepreneur, with 2005 National Philanthropist of the Year

(Washington, October 17, 2005) -- Today, Easter Seals honored Eugene Freedman, founding chairman and former president and CEO of Enesco Group, Inc., and currently Precious Moments® Ambassador at large, as its 2005 Philanthropist of the Year during the organization’s national convention, now being held in Washington, D.C.

“Gene has been a loyal volunteer, donor and partner to Easter Seals for almost 20 years. His devotion and passion for the organization and the many children and adults with disabilities we serve is unmatched,” said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals during the awards ceremony. “He is, and always will be a part of our Easter Seals family. Gene’s work truly inspires us all.”

For more than a decade, Easter Seals National Board of Directors has annually acknowledged the role of volunteerism in charitable giving by recognizing a philanthropist who has made a significant impact on Easter Seals. This year, Freedman was recognized for his longtime commitment to giving back to the community through his company, Precious Moments, and his personal generosity.

“Gene’s efforts, together with his wife Ruth, have made a lasting impact on the lives of people with disabilities in his hometown of Chicago and across the country,” added Lou Lowenkron, chairman, Easter Seals National Board of Directors. “He is a man of vision and endless compassion for those in need, especially children. His dedication to Easter Seals truly shows the power of volunteer involvement.”

About Freedman
Gene Freedman, is the founding chairman and former president and CEO of Enesco Group, Inc., and currently Precious Moments Ambassador at large, a producer of fine gifts, collectibles and home décor accessories including the award-winning Precious Moments collection. Since 1984, the Enesco Group, through the Precious Moments brand, has raised millions for Easter Seals. Combining the strength of local retailers, Precious Moments collectors clubs, corporate employees and collectors, Freedman and his team worked to make a difference for children and adults with disabilities.

Freedman’s relationship with Easter Seals began with his search for a non-profit organization to benefit from and share the great success of the Precious Moments collection. He quickly realized the unique parallel between Easter Seals and the Precious Moments theme of "Loving, Caring and Sharing." And the rest is history.

"It's a love affair and a great source of satisfaction for me," said Freedman. "The most precious moments for me have been the smiles of every Easter Seals child I meet, and knowing each will have a better life because of Easter Seals." 

Freedman speaks with pride about the Precious Moments figurine created each year for Easter Seals. Through the years, the resources generated through the sale of the figurines by local retailers have helped support Easter Seals services, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities.

To date, Freedman is responsible for Easter Seals receiving more than $43 million in financial support, from the Enesco Corporation and his own personal contributions. Gene Freedman’s commitment to philanthropy is an example of the true spirit of giving.

About Easter Seals
For 85 years, Easter Seals has been providing services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Our primary services -- medical rehabilitation, job training and employment, child care, adult day centers, and camping and recreation -- benefit more than 1 million individuals with disabilities and their families each year through more than 550 centers nationwide. See great things at www.easterseals.com.